Families
We love our families! We're here to support parents and caregivers so that your kids can thrive at home and in school. Learn more about our resources for children from birth to kindergarten, and for school-age children.
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Have Questions?
Shelley Sutherland, Youth Services Manager
Supporting Your Needs
Everyone is welcome here! Read our social narrative to help prepare for your visit. Learn more about our services for children with disabilities.
There are family restrooms and a nursing room located in the Kids Room.
Your Family, Your Library Podcast
Our Youth Services staff chat about their experiences as parents and recommend library resources for caregivers looking for support on our monthly podcast series.
Books and More
We have great stuff to check out with your library card. Don't have a card yet? Request a library card online.
Browse Books
Download a map of our Kids Room, including a helpful guide to our picture book collection. We've made browsing easier with helpful categories and simple stickers. You'll find readers, easy fiction, fiction, and nonfiction collections. We also have graphic novels, magazines, board books, and more.
Playaways and Audiobooks
Check out a device that's preloaded with age-appropriate audiobooks, videos, read-alongs and apps. We also offer books on CD or downloadable audio.
Parenting Collection
There are even some books for grown-ups in the Kids Room. Find helpful titles on everything from potty training to discipline in our parenting collection. More titles are also located in the adult nonfiction section on the second floor.
Lists
Our expert staff have compiled lots of recommended reading lists on all sorts of subjects.
Online Resources
You can search our catalog for eBooks and downloads, or use one of these great resources.
Early World of Learning
Narrated stories, games, and reading practice for preschool and elementary school students. Includes a basic encyclopedia for the youngest learners.
Hoopla
Kids mode on Hoopla has thousands of titles. You can also get seven-day access to the Hellosaurus early learning app for preschoolers and kindergartners through Hoopla's Bingepass.
LOTE4Kids
Apps availableRead and listen to thousands of online picture books for kids in more than 70 languages, including Arabic, Amharic, Dari, Hebrew, Hindi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
Scholastic Teachables
Printable activity sheets, lessons, summer workbooks, mini books and lesson plans for grades Pre-K-6. Search by grade level, subject, state standards, theme, or genre.
Events and Programs
Check out our calendar of events.
Fun Things to Do
We have a treasure trove of online activities, videos, and more, handpicked by our staff, for your family. Do them whenever and wherever, whether at the library, at home, or on the go.
Summer Reading
Our annual seasonal celebration of all things reading! Visit the Summer Reading page for all the details.
Museums and Attractions
Get free or discounted admission to many Illinois cultural and entertainment institutions with your library card. Many museums also offer free days. Museums & Attractions page.
Community Support
Need some extra resources? Here is a list of community organizations that may be able to help. You can also download a PDF of our food and community resources flyer.